Pioneer Group, a London-based company that specializes in laboratory development and operation along with venture building, has extended its partnership with Innovate UK by introducing its ‘Launch Programme’ for the ICURe programme’s Exploit stage. The Launch Programme is designed to expedite the development of life science entrepreneurs and spin-outs from the lab to market adoption. It invites invitees from the ICURe programme and the Pioneer Group ecosystem to participate and engage in tailored workshops and one-on-one support activities for 12 months to de-risk the commercial and technical viability of their technology and facilitate seed and series A investment. The ICURe Spin Out team members who successfully progress have the opportunity to continue their commercial learning journey within the Launch Programme. Pioneer Group was confirmed as a delivery partner for the Launch Programme with Innovate UK in March 2023.
The Launch Programme’s Director and Venture Development Partner, Lisa Thomas, leads Pioneer Group’s highly specialized life sciences team to support selected ICURe companies across the UK. Participants have the opportunity to refine their business models, strengthen their pitching skills, interact with and learn from esteemed industry figures, and receive sound guidance on market adoption and scaling up from Pioneer Group’s Expert Network. Pioneer Group is proud to highlight that their efforts contributed to the creation of over 100 life sciences firms that raised over £300m in total investment, with 35% founded by at least one female entrepreneur.
In September 2023, the selected cohort gathered for the first of a series of in-person training sessions at Victoria House in London, one of Pioneer Group’s two new life sciences campuses in the city. The Launch Programme continues to provide new entrepreneurs and spin-outs across various stages with tailored support and workshops to accelerate their transition into a fully fledged commercial venture.
In conclusion, Pioneer Group applauds its own diversity and the significant representation of female-led teams in over half of their current Launch Programme participants. Being a delivery partner for the Launch Programme with Innovate UK is an excellent opportunity for them to continue their highly valued contributions to several new entrepreneurs and spin-outs within the life sciences industry.